Worth



Feb. 13,1923. 1,445,188.

F. L. 0. WADSWORTH- BEARING.

FILED JUNE 1. 1918. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Feb. 13, 1923. 1,445,188.

- F. L. O. WADSWORTH.

A BEARING. FILED JUNE l. i918. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

\ I HAN Pausa-i Feb. 13, 1923..

vUNITED STATEs PATENTYOFFICE.

FRANK'L. O. WADSWORTH, OF PITTSBUBGH PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR`TO ALBERT l KINGSBURY, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

" .l BEARING.

Application ineal ame 1, 1,918. serial No. 237,740.

To all coito/m t may concern Be it known that l.l FRANK L. 0. WAns Woirn', a citizen of the United `States oi America, and a resident of Pittsburgh, Alle.- nheny, County, and State `of Pennsylvania,

have invented certain new and usel'ullmproveinents in Bearings, ot Which the-following is a specilication, roter-ence beine; had to the accompanying` drawings, forming a part thereof.` y

"My invention relates [to bearings, and more particularly to means for equitably distrilniting the pressure on the bearing surj Jraces. It has special reference to `thrust bearing` (constructions y oit the Kingsbury l'lexible shoe type which comprise annularly` arranged series ot bearing segments capabley of both tangential or longitudinal and radial or transverse tilting mo\feinents,as illustrated and described,`l?or example, in `Kings bury Patent No. 9479242.

@neobjec-t of my invention is to provide simple and efectiveequalizing means of novel construction for the `equitable automatic distribution 'ot the load 'or end thrust over the entire surfacev of bearing engagement between the relatively lixed and movable members of the structure.

A :further object or this invention is to provide a structure in which thefequitable distril'nition of the load is eiectedfby autornati@ radial movements oi' load supporting1 parts7 preferablyv so arranged as` to permit the larger part otthe rload or end thrust to be carried by relatively rigid members and to leave only a small component ot' the load to be borne by the instrumentalities el:`

lectivo in` producing` the radial eipialization movements. j.

Another object is to provide a structure of the aforesaid character in which the au tomatic equalization `shall be either directly or indirectly effected by the centrifugal action ot rotating;` in operation. l y y In order that' my invention `be thoroughly understood l will now proceed 'to describe the same in thetollowing specification and will then point out the novel features thereof in append'ed claims.

rlhe invention is capable ot receivingv a varietjyf of mechanical expressions some ot which are shown on the accompanying parts when thev bearingis drawings, ybut it is to be expressly under-` stood. that the drawings are for the purpose or illustration only and are not to be construed, as a definition of the limits o'f the invention.; reference being had to the appended claims lor that purpose.

Automatic equalizers for thrust bearings heretofore employed are characterized by a yielding support which is arranged .to permit the bearing members to move substantially parallel to the bearing axis `or direction oi' thrustA and adjust themselves to such positions that each carries its proper portion of the load. l,

The nature of my` improved equalizing means can be best understood by first re:

;lerring briefly to the tWo general types of automatic equalizers now in use. Inoue 'ot these types the bearing segments are tiltably mountedon what may be termed a ball and societ ring support which may` be convstructed in a number of different forms, butl .vbich is characterized by a rocking movement about tivo axes at right angles to each other, `whereby the plane of bearing enyfra-gernent is permitted to yassume any angle to the axis of rotation of the bearing members. VIn thesecond of the above-mentioned types the bearing` segments are flexibly supported on,`or by, a circumferentially elastic or circumterentially. yielding ringy structure and this has also been developed in a num- 1iw'flll-.tiw lltffl'l h'- oci oi ci ieien orfns, a o, n nel are/c ai 4iuterized by a relative yielding or flexing movement of `different circumferential poiI`- 'tions ol the ring whereby the supports for the bearing segments are permitted to move up or down-or more generally stated,vt0- i ward or away trom--the plane oit they cooperating bearing sur-lace. In both ot-these vtypes oit equalizer construction the only substantial movement ot the engaging surfaces which results from the action of the'equalizingr. means is one which iss'ubstantially or nearly at right angles rto the plane of bearing; engagement; or in general substantially .parallel to the ot rotation of. the `bearing.

ln accordance with' mypresent invention the equalization, or equitable distribution, of the :thrust pressuresover the bearing1 sur- 'iiaces effected primarily by arelat-ive radial movement-as contrasted with `an endand eonetruoted in areordanee therewith.

The bearing Shoes or segments iii this struetuife are mounted ou pivoted rockers.

y Figure 2 is aiseetional plan vieiv on the line 2--2 olf Figure 1.

v' Figure Sie an elevation showing a single shoe and its` support taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1. f

Figure 4 is a Sectional elevation showing la portionof a structure which is a slight in odilieation or that shown in4 Figure 1.

` Figure 5 is a sectional plan view on the y line 5-5 of Figure 4L.

rFhigure 6 is va Sectional elevation Showing a portion of anotherl embodiment oi my invention, thevieiv eorreepoiidiiigto that por- 'tion of Figure 1 ivhieli is on the right-hand side ,oft the Shaft.

`iiligure 7 ie a rSectional elevation ot another bearing` Structure which constitutes an embodiment oit my invention and in which thebearing surfaces are eplierieaily eurred and the Shoes are mounted on bearing balle. Figure 8 is a Sectional elevation showing a .detail y,oit the Figure? structure and taken on the line SMS olf Figure 7.

' Figure 9 is view corresponding.to thev right-hand portion of Figure 'Y and illustrates an embodiment oit' my invention in Whie'h tlievbearing surfaces are plane.

Figure 10 is a transverse ysection oi? 'structure Shovvn in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a `'Sectional elevation ot :in other bearing Structure which eiiibodiee my invention and in which the bearing elioee or Segments lfolrin parte ot the rotatable mein-- yber of tlielbearing. n

I -Figure 12 is an elevation showing a por tion of a bearing` which eonetitutes' a slight modification ot that shown in iiligure 11.

Figure vis a sectional detail view taken on the line 13-13 ot' Figure 12.

the

Figure 11i-is a seetional elevation of a' iyiroriz'ontal thrust bearing which eonstitutes .an embodiment or my invention.

Figure 15 is a transverse sectional elevation on the line 15--15 of Figure 1e.

vFigurelt iS a partial section of a slightly modified arrangement corresponding to the upper left-hand portion oi the Structure shown in Figure lil.

Figure 17 is a View corresponding to Fig 'vertical ehaitt bearii g vention, the bearing nlioes being supported structure Shown in Figure 25,*and

Figure 18 is a partial seetional elevationtaken on the line 1.8-18` or Figure 17,

Figure 19 is a sectional elevation ot a embodyingmy inon oonieally curved rollers,

.Figure 2() ie a Sectional plan vieiv on the4 line 20H20 of Figure 19 with certain of the shoes broken away to show their supporte.

Figure 21 is a sectional elevatimi on the line 21.-.21 oil Figure 1t).

fr slight n'iodilieation o'l the Haine eti-ue` ture is slur n in Figure a-, which is a eeetional elewfioii Cori-espe ring to the lettliaiid portion in Figure 1S).

Figures 23 audQfi': are detail vie-ive Filion@ ing, in side and end elevation, a roelrer which may be substituted for the rollers of Figures 19 to 22. l

Figure ie avieiv corresponding to Figure 19 ott' another structure iii Yvvhieh bearing balls are utilized in 'place ot the rollers or reelrers or' Figures 19 to 24;.

Figure 25 is` agaitial plan View oi the Figure 27 is a sectional view developed into one plane and taken onl the line i3-4.? or igure 26.

Figure 28 ieI a sectional elevation on the line 28 oi Figure 29 and dieelosee an embodiment of my invention in rwhich the bearingshoee are made in tivo'parte or eeetions to permit the radial tilting oi lthe top section relative to the bottoni Section which is mounted on conical rollers( Figure 29 is a: partially Sectional plan view oit the Structure elioivn iii'liigure 28 'with certain of Vthe Shoes omitted to shoiv the rol-.llore on which the loive.1 part of each.

shoe is mounted. The top section of eer- -tain other shoes ie removed to `eliovv lie ttormation of the engaging 'surtaeee between eeotione.`

Figure `20 kie a sectionalv elevation, developed into one plane, ot the structure `ehown in Figure 29.

Figure 31 ie a sectional. eleif'atio i ot :i portion. o1 another,bearing structure eoiietitut-` ing a slight niodiiieation ottliat ehoivniu Figure 28. l

Figure 32 ie a sectional elevation ot ythe structure shown in Figure 31. i i Figure 33 is a sectional eleva-tion of halt of a bearing structure which embodies` my invention and in which the bearing Shoes;-

parte Vhaving Vcooperating nasales 33, the two-part shoe constituting a ineinber of the rotating part ot the bearing.

Figure 3G is a View corresponding to Fig; ure 33, oi another embodiment olf iny invention. i I

-Figure Bl'is a plan View on the line Bldg? ot Figure 36'. n

Special reference may i'irst be had to Figi;- ures 1 tov 3 iiiywhicli 1 designates a baseer foundation having an ogeiiinglry through which a shaft@ extends` the shaft being" provided with a thrust blockl and thrust collarsln the torni shown,the base has .blocks or plates which forni parts ofthe base ring 1.

A guide ring 12 is mounted on the base ring 1, loosely surrounds the bearing shoes..`

and has lugs 13 which extend inwardly between the shoes and `prevent their rotation.

The inclination o'l" the rockers 10 lis such that the shoes tend to nioye outwardly and downwardly under the influence of the thrust pressure, but this tendency is opposed by springs l14 which extend into spring pockets 15 in the vshoes and press the shoes radially inward.` The springs react on a spring eqiializing` rink3 16 which is freely mounted on the top of the ring l2.

The bottom surface, or at least a. portion ot the bottornsnrface, of cach sioe is radially inclined and ciirurn'terentially curyed to cooperate with'tlie top of the rocher which is spherieally curved and preferably has a dowel pinoi' projection 17 which cooperates with a suitable recess in lthe bottoni ol: the shoe.

The shoes are thus mounted to tilt tangi'eiitially with respect tothe shafts() as to establish` and maintain a hi'i of oil at the rbearingl surfaces, and are furthermore tree to tilt radially so as to equalize the pressure on all portions of the bearing surface. in aceordance with the principles ot the Kings bury bearings. The dowel pins lpreyeiit the shoes from sli 3 vine on the spherical sin.

iace of the rockers, and insure a true rolling movement between the engagging` parte.

.The load or pressure onthe bearing` surgrooved block 22 on thebase 1. 'The spri `they t neyertheless are lequalized among; themselves by the equali/iijng ring 16.

ilft the saine time the inajor portion Vo'l the load is borne by the rigid rockers 10and only a relatively sniall' radial component ottlieA load is borne yby the flexible or resilient instrumentalities which ei'lcct the equitable distribution oi the pressure. y v

Il: the .spherical surface at the outer end of the rocker has a short radius ot curyaturefthe bottoni surface oit the shoe is not `necessarily inclined.J the rocker in that acting like a linlr and *tendine` to carry the shoe outward and downwardV even though the bottoni surface oit the shoe is parallel to the bearing surface. f

This embodiment ot. my invention shown iii' Figure fl, lach segment or shoe .iii

this ease is provided withv an insert 18a wh may be iforn'ied of hardened steel, tor examN ple and which has a sovolret or with which the outer ent/'1.1.9 oft the roclz `20 cooperates. ln theftorin here shown, the body of the rocker has the ioirn ot a cylinderv with end ilanges 21r and is mounted in 23 in this arrangement react uilion a rigid flange' 2a oil the base, instead oli' noon a springequalizer ring.l

0n the other hand, il thev bottom surface ofthe shoeiswinclined the end o' the rocher may have thejshape ol a segment' of `a sphere as shown in klFigiires l. to or a ball or ot spherical support inay be substituted as cniployedfin seine ot the eiiibodiinei'its (sce Figure 9) herematterexplainedv rThe springs are obviously only siibyected to a sniall proportion of the thrust aressii-re to which `the shoes are subjected. but constitute 'ar' yielrilins,- ine-ans for holding'4 the shoes in such pmitions asto equaliiiethe thrust pressurenpon theni. y l y ltis `not essential that the rockers shall` incline radially outward as shown in Fin;- ures 1"`to 5, as they may., tor exaniplmbe in @lined` inwardly as shown in Figure 6. The rockers are here designated and they are pressed outwardly by the sin/'inns ZG whit-li react on aii-eely mountedspring equaliser ring' 27 corresponding to the ring 1G. 'lhe tendency diie tothe `tlfiriist pressure is, to torce the rockers inwardly in opposition to the springs 265 the inclined snrlaee ot each n segment or shoe tendingl to slide outwardly on "the spherieally curved outer end et' its rocker. 'The springs accordingly serve ,as

. before tof automatically equalize 'the pres;, siii-e on the several shoes.-

The shoes are liniited in their radial outward movement by` lugrs on a iuidey ring! by the suine reterenee cherectersjme thrust coller 30 is substituted jlor `sible snel s `tected `indienendriily provided W Ofi).

The inclination ot the beziringr surlfzicef` although curved7 is such thzrt the ,thic'uStpi sure tends to torce the shoes o verdlvthis tendency is opgosed by sin operating `with e spring' euuzdmer ri` 'lflie bearing' bells 33 l:ire mounted in the buse ring` and y sirebly be sujviported on u. plurality et sninll bells ln 'this err'eiigzjenient, es iii those nbove describe@7 pr sentire ii the' thrifst f lergijely borne by the bell l eeriiig; sugppli Which czinnot yield vertice"lye ivnile "only iv VCoinpiiietvely siniill proportion oi' ithe loud teken up by the radially yielding;equaliziiig; ineens n -ivliieh ine-y therefore be iiizide eoinperiitively light. f

Figures end l() shou1 :in embodiment ot niy invention in which the annuler beeriuq' ineinbers may be uni ed into e' single "ble ring; structure since thei eqnalienation*'is,et

ot' any redisl nieve- `iifieiit oif the bee. iig; segments or shoes tl eijnselves. v

The se, ents, which are desigijir tod 3b,

have iiielin bottom surfaces pre erebly `li hardened inserts `37 iif'liicli `be radially' groeved .to cooperate :with Wedge elements which tolte the `:toini oit bells on which the4 slices ere sup` ported. llleoli shoe is held againstA rediiil increment by e ring); ziiid in order to reduce the. resisten`vl tov'tiltingr niet ients Aerichv shoe is preferably provided with ru siihei'ieril lue; Ll() which cooperates with the surte e. oit seid ring. i

(The. nrrunreinent is sueh tlifit the .thi-ust pressure teiil to 'loree the bearing bells :3S inu'ui'iflly sind they :ire free teinove rudi :illy in the grooves All except tor tbe sprir i l2 which reitet on :i ring equalizer rino, til and press them inrdiellyoutward.

lt is evident that in this arrangement the bearing iiieinber nieyeitlier be iii ther fern et independent shoes er zitlexible ifiiigv strueture oic any suitable torni such s i plurality otqinents which ire joined, es shown in Figure '1lb by flexible Webs or. connectors llh ln' toet, this equelizinp; arrangement is applicable to either rigid or flexible thrust collars, the beurinpjbellsbeingforced into such positions es will equalize the pressure upon the beuring surfaces ot the annuler Wliieh e tenes the ring.; i6?? :ind the springs centrifugal torce set up by sitions.

intense `n 1 :ry be.

The individuel shoe structure Yor the {texi- 'f ble ring' structure presents, oil" course, :ill the opeintivc @here teristics-both es 'regards-i automatic liiliricution end transverse t'lting' ot the segmental bearing surteces---'\ivliiel; distinguish the ltingsbury beeringi's Referring to Figures il l?, end

evident that the errziiigeineut oli retlielly `yielding,r prissurefdistributing or equziliziid; 'ineens is applicable to the rotatable :is Well es the stetioner ineiiiber ot the bearing 4 i L 'l `iiivivhich event centritugel"torce iney he utilized es the ineens whereby to oppose radial inoveinent ol the bearingL elementi under the rudiel eoiuiiiouent olI thebeerin; pressure. `ln the zirreiigement here shoryn /l designates the bese oi. e toot-step bearinghaving i( spherical seat 4:6 iii which L relutively stationery thrust bleek 4 8 designates n vertical slie,"t thrust coller which is proyued Vivitgi inclined annuler or beveled surface 50, and

:L flange 5l. plurality oit hearingv segrinents or shoes 52, providedivith splieiieg lly faced buttons W ere niountei'l oii' the beve'e 5l. The

fh). eled suriuee 50 within the ilu desu-ibly be sliepedto correspond, in generati, to' the udbecl; surteees ot the shoes iney jeeent surface ofthe thrust coller., sltl'iouggh 'this not itiel. lfn eiiiy event, the er- -rzingeineiit suchthet the thrust pressure -teiids'to 'force the shoes inivewlly on the inclined surface 50; and `when the bearing is et rest the shoe `Will be forced against the adjacent tace ot lthe she-tt 4&8. y

llllheii the bearing is in operation the proper spaced relation betweeiil the shoes is maintained by tigre-flange 5l which has lugs 5ft that extend between yshoes end them to rotate with the tl t rollin The l 'theirrotetion causes the slices to move ontwerdllv` iiito such positions is to substantially e'quiiliyie the pressure upon the sever: ilioes. y

ln order to assist in the nieinteimnee ol" the ldesired equzilifizition :it vurious spe ls.7

ind in ori'ler to grl'inid eeninst the intrri'ei ence ot the equalization tif-,tion by the pliysii result being` accomplished by the Centrifugal torce vwhich constitutes the'inezins tor maintaining the slices in their proper porEhe springs oppose the eentrijliugel 2i l regulating the action of the suine and for preventinu` en excessive end unnecessary movement ot the parts.

.l`he` ai'rei'igjenient ot Figure il is there- :iet eouelly f i oo i o i ceiise lll,

tion end merely constitute e nieziiis for i fore an example of a construction in which the shoes actually move radially to effect equalization; but the principle of operation may be maintained even if the bearing segments themselves are notcapable of radial movement. lllach bearing element may in effect be divided into component elements only one of which is mounted for 1adial movement. Such an arrangement as that last indicated is shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which kthe hearing' segments or shoes 56 are loosely mounted in a radially :fixed position between the shaft extension i7 and the flange 51. The shaft collaraf) is provided with radial slots to receive a series of wedgey elements which taire the form of sliding` blocks 56 which are interposedbetween each shoe and the beveled surfaces 50 of the thrust collar slots. These blocks have considerable freedom of movement in a radial directiomLand when the bearing is in operation they are subjected to centrifugal force which. tends to move them radially outward in opposition to springs 6l) to wedge them between each bearing` shoe and the inclined surface 5() of the thrust block. The shoes are thus forced axially into such positions as to equalize the thrust load upon them. Each block 58 is `providedwith a spherically faced lug; 59 which'permits the block and the associated shoe to tilt both tangentially and transversely with. respect to 'the thrust collar i9 and the cooperating` thrust block 47. n

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the application of the invention to a horizontalthrust bearing'. rThe horizontal shaft which ris designated 61. is provided with a thrust collar '62 and is mounted in a journal bearing; 63.

'1`he thrust pressure is borne by bearing` seg; ments or shoes 6l which are arranged in two groups one on either side of the thrust collar. Each of the shoes has a wedge-shaped eros section and an inclined groove 65 .inV

its back surface, and is mounted on a spherically faced stud 66 so that the shoes are free to tilt both transversely and tangentially; and in order that the load or end thrust may be equitably distributed over the annular bearingr surfaces, it is only necessary that the shoes be subjected to substantially uniform radial pressures which will balance thedopposed radial components of the reactive supporting: pressures on the inclined faces of the 4rooves 65,

This distribution of the end thrust is effected, in the arrangement illustrated in Figure lll1 by springs 67 g-the springs for one row er set of shoes being provided with a spring' equalizer' reaction ring 68, and those of the other row or set of'shoes being provided with a similar ring (iQ-and in order to compensate either wholly or partly for the unbalanced weight of the shoes on the upper and lowersides of the bearing, the

ringsl 68-69 are preferably mounted on a yielding` spring' support 70 which may evidently be so designed as to carry any desired portion of the vertical gravity pressures on the radially movable parts.

71 designates a scraper for distributing the oil.I which is carried upwardly on the outer surface of the thrust collar, among the shoes at the top of the bearing'.

The shoe supporting` studs 66 are mounted in the `relatively stationary head members 72 and 73, that are connected by an interposed cylindrical housingl member 74,-the parts being held in assembled position by the bolts 7 6 which `entend through the lugs 75 on the housing` member and engage the heads 7 2 and73. Lugs 83 maintain the rela tive positions of the shoes and prevent them frein rotating with the shaft.

The arrangement of Figure 16 sponds to that of YFigures 11i and 15 except that the bearing' segments or shoes 77 are held loosely in a radially fixed position and aremonnted on wedge blocks 7 5% which are pressed inwardly by springs 79 that serve to equalize the pressure on the shoes, The springs react on a spring equalizer ring` S() which corresponds to the rings 68 and 69.

In the form here shown,-studs 81 extend through the housing member 74 and prevent the shoes from rotating` about the COITQ- shaft. Each shoe is provided with aspherical lug' 62, which is'seated on one of the wedge blocks 7 8 and permits the shoe to tilt both transversely and tangentially. s The weight of the wedge blocks 78 is considerably less than the weight of the shoes; and consequently the differences in the unbalanced gravity effects, due to the action of gravity on said bloclrs acting in conjunction with the springs in the upper part ofthe bearing' and in opposition to the springs in the lower part of the bearing, in varying the thrust pressures on the seg;- ment bearing surfaces, are less than in the arrangement of Figures 14 and 15.

Referring to Figures 17 and 18, another horizontal thrust bearing' structure is here shown `in which the thrust collar Sabas a spherically curved bearing` surface with which a vplurality of splierically-faced bearing seg'- ments or shoes 86 cooperate.

weight of the `shoe 86; and the position of the end 87 is such that the thrust Apressure on the shoes tends to move all the weight 91 radially inward. This `tendency is i,fieldingly opposed by springs 92 which are arranged-to react on a spring equalizer ring iZO ` ported by the engagement olf their trui'inion 93 that is loosely supported on a. stud 94 on the housing;l cap 95.

The effects or' the springs 92 are oqualizrd among themselves by the ring 93; and the equalized spring pressures torce the shoes to such positions that the load or' end thrust is equitably distributed over the entire annular bearing' surface between the shoes and the thrust collar.

It is evident that the weights, which are slidablymounted on screw/#threaded extensions 96 of the lever arms, may be adjustedein any suitable manner as by turningv the nuts SlT-to such positions as to eftactly counterbalance the weights of the shoes; or, if desired, they may be adjusted to such other positions as to throw a greater amount of the thrust on certain of the shoes, if desired For example, it may be advantageous to malte the shoes near the bottom of the bearing sustain a greater thrust than those at the top; in which `case the weights 90 are so adjusted as to unloalance .the weights ott' the associated shoes.

Figures 19, 2O and 21 show a4 bearing; structure embodying; the present invention in which each of the bearing segments or shoes is mountedv `on a pair offspaced roller orl rocker members which are of rusto'- conical form .and are adapted to permit not only a radial equalizingr movement of the shoes, but also a circumferential rolling' of the shoes on the rockers to effect the desired tangential tilting of the segmental bearing surfaces;

The arrangement o'l the base, shaft, thrust bloclr, collar, and oil reservoir is similar to that 'of the Figure 1 structure, and corresponding' parts are designated by the same reference characters. The biaseis provided with a plurality of rec'sses vin which the truste-conical rollers 98 are rotatively supprojections 99 in suitable bearing' sockets 100. The periplieral surfaces of these rollers which engage with the conical or berelod 'faces 101 at the ends or radial edges o'l' each sho'eware radially crowned to permit the shoes to tilt radially or transversely on the roller supports;

Y.By reason o'li'the inclined engagement oit the surfaces 101 with the conical surfaces ol? the rollers 98, the thrust pressure tends to press the shoes radially irnvarrl, and this tei'rd'ency is opposed by springs 102 which force the shoes radially outward and into such positions as to equitably distribute the thrust pressure among them.

Each of the rollers 98 may a'lso beadjusted in a radial directionby means oit an adjusting screw 103 which: is carried by a bearing' bracket 10s suitably secured to the base ring 1. When the thrust collar 4t rotates in either direction., the shoes are moved circumferentially-to a slight ezrtent--in the saine direction, and are thereby tilted tan.n gentially (in the Vmanner explained more fully in my c'opciidingapplication Serial No. lfllh'lm, thereby establishing,F wet geshaped oil openings between the bearing-` surfaces, which. are characteristic of the Kingsbury thrust bearings.

The rollers are evidently called upon to rock through only a small angle, and in fact they may be more, accurately termed rochers in View of the function which they perform. It is therefore possible to substitute for each of the complete rollers 9S a segment or rocker member 105 as shown in Figures 23 and 24.

lt is evident that the inclination ot the rockers may be reversed so that the thrust pressure tends to more the shoes away from the shaft instead oi' towards it. In that case the equalizinn; springs will be arranged asin Figure 1. j

The bearingi segments or shoes may be held against radial displacement by lugs 106 as shown in Figure 22; in which case the rollers are radially movable and provided with adjustable springs 108 which serve the same purpose as the springs 102 in equalizing the pressure on .the shoes; it being, ol' course, understood that with. this arrangement the thrust pressure tends to press the shoes inwardly against the studs 106, and the rollers outwardly against the tension of the springs 108. The adjusting' screws 107 may beutilized to manually adjust `or equalize the springpressures, but they are obviously not essential and may be omitted if desired, or replaced by a commonsprinlgl equalizer ring, such as that indicated by 16 or 16a in Figures 1 and 7.

In the structure of Figures 25, 26 and 27 the base is provided with spherically curved grooves 109 which aredisposed at right angles to the median radial planes oit the bearingA segments or shoe .members 1,12., Each lgroove contains two bearing balls 1.1.0 `that are separated by a spacing ball .1.1.1. Each shoe is provided on its lower surface Awith awpair ol beveled 'or conical surfaces ,1.14 which are inclined to the axis ol the shatt and so spaced as to eng the upper sur` :faces oi'L the bearingballs 110; the arrangenient nl1 parts boing' such that the thrust Vpressure tends to more the shoes radially outward. This tend'eiury isopposed by .dat

springs 115, or some other lsuitable yieldw ins' means; This f'onstruration-l1lre that equitable circum ferential distribution of the load on the annular bearing1 surfaces by the action of the springf'equalizing means; but also permits each shoe to tilt radially on the spherical surfaces oliv the ball supports 110; while the desired circumferential or tangential tiltingv of, the bearing;` segments is secured by a slight longitudinal rolling movement ol the shoes'onthese same supports. y y l rlhe supporting rollers may be` lrnstoconical' andthe bottonisnrfacts of the bearing; segments or shoes so vslniped as to en-l gage therewith over theentire length ot the truste-conical faces it the shoe ismade rin sections so that oneot the sections may tilt radially relative "to the other. section. i An arrairgement of this :kind is shown in Figures 23, 29-and 30. ln this construction.,

truste-conical rollers 116 are maintained in spaced relationon the upper surface or" a flat base ring by means of a cage 117 having;1 inclined radial bolts or pins 118 onl which the rollers arerotatively mounted.

ln the form here shown, the shoes which are designated 119 areeomposed of a bot# tom'sectionll@ having` a conical lower suriface 121 that is inclined to the axis of the bearing` (as clearly shown in Figure 28) and a vtop section 122 which is mounted on `the bottom section 120 and has` a cylindrical 'lace 1.23 that is seated in a correspondingly curved recess the bottoni, section.

Each of the two-part shoes acts as aunit in tilting` tangentially to establish wedge shaped oil lilni whentheshoe Vmemhf-ns `roll circumferentially on the conf-)supports 116; and the upper'sectionilof each Shoe is lfree to tilt radially or transversely to equalize the pressure 4onV the inner and outer zones of the shoe'surface. The ytendency ofthe end thrust is to move the slices radially' inward on the upper downwardly "inclined surfaces of the rollers 116, and'this tendenov is opposed by the sprin 125 which act, as before7 to circumterentially equalize or:

equitably .distribute the load over the` entire annular suritace ot thrust bearing' engagement. y y y lllnrures 3l and 3Q illustrate `a slightly `modified structurel in which` the bearing sei;-

inents or shoes are replaced by a `flexible annular bearing` member 126lq the sectors oi which are/connected by. {lexible webs 12"?.

Each o-lthese bearinO` sectors or 'segments is provided with a cylindrical lng 19.8 whichr corresponds to the-lun; 1.9/3; and the ring member 126 is supported as a whole on ak plurality ol blocks 129 that are `shaped'to correspond to theI blocks v120 `and are similarly mounted on rollers 136; `ln this arrangement however, the .bearing structure is necessz-trily held against radial movement; and the equalization is effected byV springs `131 which act on the rollers; the cage 132 being 'formed yto Vpermit ot a movementr of the rollers 1n a radial direction. llurthermore7 in the'form. here shown. the pins on which the rollersaremounted have enlargements 133 at their outer `ends which are Ascrew-threaded into the cage so that theyv ythrust pressure, and sprin sired. Springs 134: maybe introdiued be tween the ring 126 andthe blocks 1.29 to assist in supportingthe edge Zones of the sec tors, 126 andprevent thecrowning of the are curved in a circumferential direction..` ln other words, their' adiacent surfaces are `conically curved7 the arrangement being f such that the thrust vpressure tends to make the vupper section 135 move inwardly and .S0

the lower section 136 move outwardly. Each lower section has a cylindrical bottom surface which ypermits the slioetorocl: transversely, as a whole; but it is mounted loosely in a pocket 137 in the hase ring. so that only the upper section can move 'transversely or radially in response to the end thrustpressure. This radial movement o-pposedby radialV ecnializ/iinte)` springs 138 mounted in pockets 139 between the shoe sec. tions. v The upper section of the shoe may tilt' tangentially relative to the lower section to establishv a lwedgeshaped oil film between the ybearing surfaces, ball bearings 140 being preferably introduced to make the upper section rock more easily.

Another two-part shoe structure is shown in Figure 35; in this construction the two part shoes, with their conically curved co-. operating surfaces, forni a part ot the rotatable member of the bearing; and `tension springs 141-1 are utilized for the purpose ot opposing movementof the lower shoe sections or` elementsfwithrespect to the upper elements thereof under the action of centri-t1 ngal force` upon whichthe eql'iitable distribution oit the pressure on the bearing` sein ments depends. Y

In Figures 36 and 37 l have shown another two-part shoe construction in ywhich the lower shoe elements 142 are mounted to rock or tilt circumiferentially on radial ribs `14153; and the upper conneratingr eleme.. 144i are mounted to rock radially on the taugen tially `disposed ribs 145. The upper elel ico ments also tend to slide radially with respect to the lower elements by reason olf the end 146 are interposed between the elements tof effect the annular eqnulizationo'l' the load on theliearing en surfaces. i

`While l have shown a number oit dill'erent structures whichembody. my.- invention it` is evident that it is not limited to any one or all of the forms shown and describe Thus it is evident that embodimcntsolti M invention illustrated as applied only to ver` tical-bearings are applicable to horiz l bearings andvice versa; and that the radially movable equalizinginstrumentalities may uf'itli i'otat member. elf a' plurality olf bearingseggu nts as' il therewitlnV and auteinatie ineans dependent en i'afdnl sure lier eqiutably dstubutiugg tbe 'u'ei-Jsiu'e en the segments. Y 1

:L thrust b'earngg. the "with al intutalble i'zienlbuj ot a pluralhy n''i benl d lli .xre\'\'ith,` and radial ly adjintublb means lo," aiitounitieally effecting an. euutalgile distributionet pressure on the IbeLui.ug nlenibers. y

ln a tin-ust bea jm wel? the 'tilta le sboe ty 3e7 radially inov ble means loi.' automatically distributing; the L essureon the several shoes'. v l y l ln a. tlu'ust bearinggj of the titable shoe typeD eentri'liugally operated ineens ttor equitably distributing the pressure on the several shoes. y K

6, ln a thrust bearingh the combination of rel'. /ively movable .nieinbers,` and y mea-ns autoinatieally operated by a radial coinpone/nt or the thrust pressure for equitably d.istrilmting the` pressure thereon.. "i". ln thrustbem'iu the 1eonibii'iatimi oli akpluii-ality el: bearing-r segments so arranged that a component o the thrust `pressure tends te produce rae` inoyeinet and eentrl'fiural 'force tends to espose said inereinent.

8. lin

a pluri.. .that a eoinponeiiit olf the thrust pressure tendsl te 'produee radial ineiy nient7 and means whereby suoli inni/'erneut .1s @posed to equalize the n'essure.v

lu a thrust bearing' a pluri; ity el' bearing); segments so z-uraiigred that a. eoinpmieut olf the thrust pressure teiuls .to gu'oduee radial n.A nient,` and springs (.o'aetiug therewith to erleet an, equitable distribution o'l" pressure on su?.` seg'- inenlls f lll. ln a ytlnust bearing, 'the eonilijinf ien of a plurality oli bearing seg-niente bai/lug inclined surfaces so arranged that Jhe thrust pressure tends ,to-e'l'leet `radial displacement, and means whereby said displaeeinent is autornatieally opposed te velleet equitable ni o a tlufl'lst bearing', the eoinbinat' (l te either 'rotateblev or statiou'iryl pres-` elunl'iination v of a plurality el bear i ofi bearing seo'nients a'iianee'd inoveinenn and iall i nwvable rn .y L: n l

y relative axial dis;J

the eouihnatuim et ses* vcentrifiugal ore` e` whereby the latter .acts

to equalize the pressure en the elements When the bearing is in operandon.`

l2. ln a thrust bearing, the eoinbina'iiuu of a plurality of learing elements, means for supporting thev elements in such r n ner that the .thrust pressiue tends te move the elements radially, and. resilient means eeaet-i`iw1with said elements.

13. ln a. tl'irustbearing, the eoinbinatnm of a plurality et bearing elements.) means .for',sujiportiug the eleniei'its insueh rnante 1n o 'te w h ere l )y p reseu n:

.ner that the thin. t pref ure tends the elen'ients radially, and means the elements are held in eruutable engagement 'with the cooperating surface. y l

lll. The combination orV a bearing ineinber having` an annular bearing suri'aee, a plurality off Wedges for equitably distributing the end thrust pressure on the said annular surface, and a spring for each Wedge.y

l5. The Combination of a` bearingjfinexnber having anal'inular bearing surface, a

bearing;

plurality et' Wedges for equalizing` theend thrust pressure on the sai d bearing surface, and means whereby said Wedges are autoinatieally operated` I i6. In a thrust bearing, tbe combination et' a plurality of bearing segments, rneans 'for holdine' the segments against radial movementyand ineens dependenton eentrilf ugal action for equitably distributing the pressure en. said segments by relative axial displacement.

17. lfn a thrust bear against radial ans for automatically elleeting au equil le distribution of pressure on said segments by K u aeement. y A u; v 18.y ln a thrust bearing"e the Combination of a. rotatable bearing ineinber, a pli'rrali'ty oil: bearing elements mounted tl ereon and. yuoyided with inclined E* aees so arranged. tl'mlt the.I 'brusty pressure teiuls tio uimfetlle elements inwarllin opposition to tlieeeutrilfngel aeti'ndue to the rotatien ot the ineinber, and sprirus folirestrictingl be outward inoetnent due to the eentrifugglal aeltio'n.

for holding` the segments 19.1'ln a thrust bearing, the eo'inbination` of a rotatable lgiea'ring' member, a plurality of lm-airirigelernents rnounted thereon' and 4having .inclined surfaces so arranged that.

tbe thrust pressure tends to* 'rr'lfoyel the ele ing, the Combination ing1 se ments, means ments inward in` opposition to thecentrifugal action due to the rotation of the meinber, springs for restricting the movement of the elements1 a relatively stationary bearing member cooper-ating with said rotatable bearing,r member, and a universal ,rocking support for the said stationary member.

20. In a thrustbearingg, the combination of a rotatable thrust collar having radial `grooves provided Awith inclined bottom surfaces, a series of wedge blocks movably mounted in said `agrooves, and a plurality of bearing` segments supported bythe said Wedge blocks.

21. In a thrust bearing, the combination of a rotatable thrust'collarhaving radial grooves provided with inclined bottom .surfaces, wedge blocks m-ovably mounted in said grooves, a plurality ot' bearing segments supported on the movablel wedge blocks, and means for holding the segments against radial movement.

22. In a thrust bearing, the combination of a rotatable thrustcollar having` radial grooves provided with inclined bottom surfaces, movable wedge blocksmounted in said grooves,` a plurality of bearing `segments supported on the movable wedge blocks, means `for holding the segments against radial movement, and yielding means for limiting the radialy movement vor' the wedge blocks in the thrust collargrooves.

23. In a thrust bearing, the combination of relatively rotatable bearing members, one of which comprises a plurality of tiltable bearing segment-s, and means dependent yon the centrifugal action of the rotatable member for equalizing the load on the bearing segments.

24. A thrust bearing comprising an annular relatively stationary bearing" member, a rotatable member having tiltablel bearing segments mounted thereon, and means actu-` ated by centrifugal force for effecting an equitable distribution of the load over the annular surface of bearing engagement.

25. A thrust bearing,- comprising .a rotatable member, a plurality of bearing segments associated therewith, and means dependent upon the centrifugal action due to the rotation of said segment-s for equitably distributing the pressure on the same.

2G. A thrust bearing comprising al rotatable member, 'a plurality of tiltable bearing' segments, and interposed radially movable wedges adapted to be actuated by centrifugal force for distributing the pressure on said bearing segments.

27. A thrust bearing comprising a plurality of tiltable bearing shoes, andk wedgeshaped shoe supports actuated'by the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the said supports.

`thereon is utilized for effecting an equitable distribution `of the pressure on said segments.

31. A bearing membery including one or more bearing segments and means intermediate said member and segments whereby the bearing' pressure on said segments tends to move the same radially with respect to said member.

` 32. In a thrust bearing, a bearing member comprising a plurality of tiltable bearing` elements mounted to move automatically in radial directions to equitably distribute the bearing pressure on said elements.

33. In a thrust bearing, a bearing member comprising a plurality of tiltablymounted bearing elements movable in response to centrifugal force to `equitably distribute the bearing pressure on said elements.

Si In a thrust bearing, a plurality of bearing; elements and means mounting said elements wherebythey may move radially in `resp-onse to a radial componentofthe bearing; pressure thereon.

35. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of bearing elements and means mountingsaid elements whereby they may move radially in response to centrifugal force.

36. In a thrust bearing, -a plurality ot bearing elements and means mounting said elements whereby they tend to move inwardly in response to a radialcomponent oi the bearing pressure and may move outwardly'y in response to centrifugal torce.

37. In a thrust bearing, a stationary bearing member and a rotatable bearingl member, one of said members comprising a plurality ot lbearing` elements movable radially in response to the bearing pressure between said members to equitably distribute the bearing pressure i thereon.

38. In a thrust bearing, a stationary bearingmember and a rotatable bearing' member comprising a plurality of bearing` elements movable radially in response to centrifugal force to equitably distribute the bearing pressure on said elements.

39. In a thrust bearing, a stationary bearing member and a rotatable bearingmember :lat

comprisingaplurality oli bearing elements movable radially in response to centrifuga force `to equitably distribute the bearing pressure on said elements7 4and `resilient means opposing said movement ot said ele` ments. i

40. In a thrust bearing, a stationary bearing member and a rotatable bearing meubk ber, one of said members comprising ai;` ially inclined faces, and bearing elements engaging said inclined faces and wedged by coaction therewith into positions wherein the bearingpressure is equitably distributedon said elements.

4l. In a thrust bearing, a stati onary bean` ing member' anda rotatable bearing mens ber. one of said members comprising axially inclined faces,iand bearing elements mounted toy move in response to centrifugal torce and engaging said inclined faces i to be wedged by coactiontherewith and in opposiv tion to centrifugal torce into positions wherein the bearing pressure is equitably distributed on said elements.

42. Thei'method of equitably distributingthe bearing pressure on the bearing seg ments of a bearing which comprises mounting said segments so that the'bearing pres sure thereon tends to produce iradial nieve` ment, and opposing.suchmovementiby ara dial `force.

,43. The method of equitably distributing the bearing pressure Von the bearing ments of a bearing which comprises mounting-said segments soithat the bearing pres` sure thereon has a transverse component, and

o osinO' said cornfonent b i a transverse that the bearing 4pressure thereon. tends to produce radial movement, and opposing such movement vby centrifugal force. Y

4,6. In a thrust bearing, aibearing member havingione or more axially inclined `faces, bearing segments, andfradially nilovable ele` mentsl automaticallyv eoaeting with said 1inclined "faces yand segments to effect au `equitable distribution of pressure on said` segments.

47. In a thrust bearing, a bearingv men-is ber 'having one or more axially vinclined Mairies faces, bearing segments, and elements` ra dially movable in response to centrifugal torce land coacting with said inclined faces and segments to effect an equitable distribution oi pressure on said segments.

48. In a thrust bearing, a bearing mem-4 ber yhaving one or more inclined faces, bear` Ving segments opposed thereto, and wedge elements cooperating with said inclined li-aces and movable radially under a radial component ot the bearing pressure, said elements cooperating with said segments to wedge the same into positions wherein the bearing pressure thereon is equitably distributed. i

'49. In a thrust bearing, abearing meinber having one or moreinclined faces-bearing segments opposed thereto, vand wedge elements cooperating with said inclined faces and movable radially under a radial component ot the bearingpressure, saidele ments also being mounted to move radially in response to centrifugal :torce and cooper-- ating with said segments to equitably distribute the pressure thereon.

50. "Inl a thrust bearing', `a bearing mem `ber having one or more inclined faces, bearN ing segn'ients Opposed thereto, and wedge elements intermediatesaid member and segments and tilta-bly mounting said ,m said wedge relements being automatically` movable inradial directions to eqi'iitalily distribute thepressure on said segments.

`5l. In a bearing, the combination of a bearing member comprising a plurality of bearing segments, a plurality ofl wedge elements on `which said segments are tiltably mounted, and springs coacting with said wedge elements. i l

52. `In a bearing, the combination of a plurality oit bearing segments and a plurality of radially movable wedge elements supporting said segments and automatically operative .to equitably distribute the pressure thereon.

5 3. In a bearing, the combination of a supporting member, va series 'of wedge nelements movably mounted ori-said supporting member, and a plurality of bearing segments tiltz-rbly n'iounted on said wedge elements, atleast one-of' the sinftaces enacting with Veach or said wedge elements being inclined.

In a bearing.` .the combination'ofIrelatively rotatable bearing members at least one ot' which comprises a plurality foi "twoN partnbearing segments, theiparts ot said seglncnts being relatively movable 'in Iresponse 'to a `transverse component oit the bearing pressure t'o etl'ect anequitable distribution of the bearing pressure on said segments.

55. In a bearing,'the combination of relatively rotatable bearing mem'ber'siat least `one ot which comprises 'a plurality oftwoapart seomouts,

bearing segments, the parts of said segments being relatively movable in response to a transverse component of the bearing pres sure to effect an equitable distribution of the bearing Apressure on said segments, and resilient means opposing relative movement of said segment parts.

56. In a bearing, relatively rotatable bearing members including a plurality of bearing segments` and means mounting saidsegments wherebyl they tend to move in response to al transverse component of the bearing pressure to equitably distribute the pressure on said segments.

57. In a bearing'7 relatively rotatable bearing members including a plurality of bearing segments7 means mounting said segments whereby they tend to move in response to a transverse component of the bearing pressure to equitably distribute the pressure on said segments, and resilient means opposing said movement.

58. In a bearing, relatively rotatable bearing members including a plurality of bearing segments cooperating with said members through axially inclined surfaces whereby they tend to move in response to a transverse component of the bearing pressure, and means utilizing said transverse pressure to effect an equitable distribution of the bearing pressure on said segments.

59. In a bearing, the combination of a bearing member comprising a pluralityl of bearing segments, a plurality of wedge elements supporting said segments, and resilient means opposing relative movement of said segments and elements.

60. In a bearing, the combination of relatively rotatable bearing members including a plurality of bearing segments, means mounting said segments whereby theytend to movev transversely in response to a transverse component of the bearing pressure,

and resilient means coacting therewith to equitably distribute the pressure on said segments.`

61. In a bearing', the combination of a stationary bearing member, and a relatively rotatable bearing member including a plurality of bearing segments, each of said segments cooperating with an axially inclined surface on said rotatable member whereby relative axial movement of said segments and rotatable member is effected by the action of centrifugal force.

62. In a bearing, the combination of a stationary bearing member, a relatively rotatable bearing member including a plurality of bearing segments, each of said segments cooperating with an axially inclined surface 0n said rotatable member whereby relative axial movement of said segments and rotatable member is effected by the action of centrifugal force, and resilient means cooperating with said segments in opposition to centrifugal force.

In witness whereof, I havehereunto set my hand this 29th lday of May, 1918.

FRANK L. O. WADSWORTH. 

